Police are advising residents to be wary of doorstep builders hoping to cash in on property repairs caused by the storm damage over the Christmas period.

Chief Insp. Nick Collins advises residents against agreeing to have work carried out on their homes by anyone who knocks at their door or cold calls them over the phone because you won’t know how competent they are.

They may charge excessive fees for minor work or may charge upfront for work, which they don’t even start, only partially complete or carry out to a poor standard of workmanship.

“This is a chance to be a good neighbour by helping residents in your street, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, if you see that they have had damage to their property, such a roof tiles missing or a garden fence blown over,” said Chief Insp. Collins.

Sutton Council runs a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme to help residents be confident that certain standards will be met when employing traders to carry out work on their homes.